You cannot buy medical marijuana in California without a letter of recommendation from your doctor. The state also requires you to get a Medical Marijuana Card, but you do not need one to make a purchase, only to comply with state regulations. Unfortunately, many waste thousands of dollars and many hours trying to find a doctor to write a recommendation letter for them, instead of just getting it first time.
Requirements for Medical Marijuana Recommendations in California
You need to have a genuine illness to get an authentic marijuana recommendation. Fortunately, most people suffer from a condition that cannabis can treat, such as headaches, anxiety, nausea, depression, and insomnia, to name only a very few. Because of this, almost anyone can get a recommendation from a doctor, but it is important that you do not lie and create potential problems for your future self.
You will need some money to pay for the consultation, and depending on the option you ultimately choose, the price will vary accordingly. If you are still a minor, then you will need a legal guardian to accompany you and sign the necessary documentation. Although it is not essential, it is advisable that you take your medical records along with you and be candid about your cannabis use.
Finding Authentic Marijuana Recommendations First Time in California
It is possible to get a medical marijuana recommendation from a licensed doctor on your first attempt, provided you use the correct channels. Not all physicians will write a letter for you. Even your family doctor may refuse your request. They have reasons to deny patients, including personal belief and reputational concern, and you will need to find someone willing to write you a recommendation letter. Here is how:
Visit a Marijuana-Certified Physician
Unless you know that your doctor issues marijuana recommendations, it may be wiser to skip the family GP and the medical center closest to you. The reason for this is because most of these doctors will likely refuse your request and you will be going from one to another in an unhelpful and frustrating cycle. It is best to visit a doctor that you know writes recommendations for cannabis patients at the very start.
There are many cannabis-certified physicians in California. You can find a list of them in most online marijuana dispensaries, or you can conduct a simple Google search. You will save a great deal of time, money and frustration by visiting the right doctor the first time. You will still need to apply for your Medical Marijuana Card separately if you choose this option, which is the only real disadvantage.
Go To Any 420 Evaluation Center
You can get a legitimate marijuana recommendation at any 420 Evaluation Center in California, and they exist in every city and town. Cannabis-advocating physicians dedicate much of their time to these centers, and they will happily write a letter that will be valid immediately afterward. You can apply for your Medical Marijuana Card at the same time, which you will receive in the mail a few days later.
Unfortunately, there are some major disadvantages to using a 420 Evaluation Center. Some are located in the dodgiest of areas where crime is rampant and personal risk high. Queues are frequently very, very long. You may need to wait in line for several hours before a physician is able to see you, but rest assured, your recommendation letter would be 100 percent authentic if you manage to wait it out.
Consult with a Doctor Online
The easiest, most convenient way to get a genuine cannabis recommendation is to consult with a physician online. You will need a webcam for video chatting, as consultations occur over the Internet. These doctors are all cannabis-certified, and they will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment options with you. They will also write a recommendation letter for you and send it via email.
Depending on the service that you use, there is a small fee involved. You have two options available to you. You can purchase only the cannabis recommendation, or you can add a Medical Marijuana Card, as well. It is advisable to get your card and comply with state regulations, but the law only requires a letter of recommendation from a licensed physician to buy weed legally in California.
Conclusion
Getting a medical marijuana recommendation first time is actually very easy in California, as long as you know exactly where to go and how to go about it. There is no need to fork out hundreds of dollars on wasteful consultations and travel expenses, and you frankly do not need to waste your precious time either. Most get recommendations online these days, on their first try and from the comfort of home.
